Please consider bringing your baby's child safety seat along for the flight. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult's lap, most experts – including the American Academy of Pediatrics – now recommend parents book a separate seat for baby and bring their child seat. "It costs more, but in the event of turbulence or an emergency landing, it's simply safer," says Dr. Robert Wheeler, medical director for On Call International, a global travel and medical assistance provider.

For babies 3 months and under, it's a great idea to use an infant carrier-type seat due to its versatility, says Jeanna Rimmer, a representative of Britax, a market leader in quality child safety seats. Most infant carriers can be used with a stroller to function as a travel system, making it simple for you to transport your baby through the airport. Most airlines will then allow you to gate check your stroller.

"When traveling on an airplane, parents should only use child safety seats that specifically state 'approved for flight,'" Rimmer says. "Also, consider checking with your individual airline for rules and regulations before traveling with infants or children." (According to the FAA, child safety seats should be no wider than 16 inches across for the best fit on an aircraft.) Make sure to use the instructions for lap belt installation, and remember that babies under 1 year of age and 20 pounds should always be rear-facing.